Jubilation as park works start

Construction works have officially started on the $32.5 million Craigieburn Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre, at Craigieburn Park.

Hume Mayor, Councillor Helen Patsikatheodorou, said she was thrilled to see workers’ tools and trucks at the site.

“This centre will support generations of Hume residents, and it has been many years in the making,” Cr Patsikatheodorou said.

“The builders who will work at Craigieburn Park across the coming months will construct a truly first-class aquatic and leisure centre.

“It will include a 50-metre pool, toddler pools, and waterslides, so that people of all ages can learn how to swim and enjoy aquatic activities.

“The centre’s new gym is certain to improve the health of many people, thanks to group fitness classes and a variety of exercise equipment.

“The Craigieburn Regional Aquatic and Leisure Centre will cater for one of Australia’s fastest growing communities, with Craigieburn’s population set to rise by almost 50 per cent between now and 2036.”

The Australian Government has committed $9.091 million to the new centre through the National Stronger Regions Fund, and the Victorian Government has allocated $3 million.

Cr Patsikatheodorou recently joined Senator Scott Ryan and the State Member for Yuroke, Ros Spence, to turn the first sod of soil at the site.

“Hume City Council regularly advocates to state and federal governments for funding that can help build the infrastructure our community needs,” she said.

“We are thrilled that both the Australian and Victorian governments will invest significantly in a centre which will benefit so many families in Hume.”

The swimming and gymnasium complex will be situated amongst a spectacular 12.14 hectare precinct, which will also accommodate an athletics track, playgrounds, parkland, and car parking.

Craigieburn Park shall become home to major community festivals too, and is expected to attract residents from all parts of Hume.

The site is located to the north of Craigieburn Central Shopping Centre, and is bounded by Aitken and Marathon boulevards, Central Park Avenue and Windrock Avenue.